Honduran authorities investigate TikTokers for allegedly degrading minor

Honduran authorities have launched an investigation and detained content creator Urías Lobo following a controversial TikTok video involving a minor in Danlí. The video depicts Lobo and another influencer, known as “Soy Rosel,” shaving a child's head in exchange for 500 lempiras (approximately $20 USD).

The Public Ministry’s Office for the Protection of Children and Adolescents is investigating the incident as potential “aggravated degrading treatment” under Article 214 of the Penal Code. This charge carries a prison sentence of one to two years, with increased penalties if the victim is considered vulnerable due to age.

Human rights advocates, including the president of Codeh, Hugo Maldonado, have condemned the act as an exploitation of a child in a state of social risk. Presidential designate María Antonieta Mejía has also called for formal legal sanctions, emphasizing that the protection of minors must take precedence over viral social media engagement.

In a local interview, the child's mother expressed support for the creators, requesting that Lobo be released and stating that the haircut was a benefit to the child. However, the case continues to draw significant public outcry regarding the ethics of the creator economy and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals for digital content.